The construction of Isimba and Karuma Hydro Power Dams has stalled due to the exorbitant claims by the affected persons, Engineer Badru Kiggundu said, while appearing before the commission of inquiry into land matters chaired by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire.

Kiggundu who is the chairman of the project steering committee explained that currently, the claims are over Shs600 billion which is not available in the budget.

Among the claimants are Tom Kazibwe former MP Ntenjeru County and Charles Mugamba former town clerk and assistant chief administrative officer Kayunga. The two are demanding for Shs132 billion for the rock that is underneath what was their land.

Kiggundu testified that the duo were among the group of persons who were compensated for their land in 2014 but later turned around and made fresh demands for rocks in their land.

Evidence before the commission shows the duo have no titles for the land which contains the rock. Many other people have also come up with fresh demands despite having been already compensated.

He asked for the commission’s intervention to address the issue of valuation of the rock which has caused halted the completion of Isimba dam.